Sensitive teeth are very common, with an estimated 35% of UK adults affected,[i] and similar numbers (34%) reflected worldwide.[ii] Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) presents as acute, sharp pain in otherwise healthy teeth in response to thermal (hot or cold), chemical (acidic, sweet, or salty), and mechanical stimuli (pressure or impact).[iii] With so many patients affected by DH, it can be helpful to discuss its causes with patients, and how best to overcome it, to help reduce their symptoms and prevent potentially harmful conditions from developing.
Causes and impacts
Sensitivity can occur in teeth which don’t have any other kind of defect or pathology, as such it is important to help patients understand what is causing their DH, and what triggers it. For example, loss of enamel due to attrition, abrasion, erosion, or abfraction can lead to sensitive teeth. For some patients, gingival recession may be the culprit, with abrasion from toothbrushing, surgical procedures, and preparing the tooth for a crown all potential causes.[iv] The facial surfaces are more commonly impacted by DH, with the canines and premolars affected in 25-30% of the adult population.[v]
Biologically, what’s happening?
Naturally, the dentinal tubules are occluded by saliva which deposits calcium and phosphate ions into them. This plugs them and forms a protective layer. However, this process is slow and can be easily disturbed by acids in the diet, as well as mechanical removal through toothbrushing. Therefore, it does not provide lasting relief, and it is important to recommend that patients – particularly those who experience DH – supplement this process to reduce sensitivity.[vi]
Because it is so freely available, toothpaste is a great way to make treatment for DH accessible.[vii] As such, much research has gone into creating new materials which deposit lost minerals in the exposed tubular endings, and help to mimic and restore the lost enamel structure.[viii]
Treatment and prevention
Treatment and preventionFirstly, for patients who experience sensitivity, it is essential that they reduce any behaviours which may be contributing to enamel wear. This may mean cutting down on sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush[ix] in an effort to reduce disruption to their natural dentinal tubule occlusion processes. Further to this, it is also recommended that all patients – particularly those experiencing DH – use a high-quality toothpaste[x] which contains the active ingredients needed to protect and replenish the minerals in their enamel.
For some patients with more severe sensitivity, behavioural changes and the use of a desensitising toothpaste may not be enough. In these cases, it may be suitable to apply a fluoride varnish to affected areas, with composite bonding or dentine sealers also appropriate options for some patients.[xi]
The first line of defence
Ideally, a desensitising toothpaste must not only reduce the dentine permeability, but also protect the dentinal tubules over a long period of time and resist the effects of acid.[xii] The consistent use of a specially designed sensitivity toothpaste should be the first line of defence for patients with DH, as they are relatively inexpensive compared to other treatment types, can drastically reduce symptoms of sensitivity, and are a non-invasive solution.
Its innovative formula makes BioMin F toothpaste the ideal solution for patients with sensitivity. The revolutionary bioactive glass is formed with extra-fine particles, which chemically bond to the tooth surface and slowly dissolve over 12 hours to release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions into the saliva. These ions crystalise to form a fluorapatite barrier over the tooth surface and within the dentinal tubules.[xiii] As the bioactive glass continues to dissolve it offers the sustained release of minerals over 12 hours, for long term acid resistance.
There are many different ways sensitivity may present, and some patients may have a more severe experience than others, so it’s important to offer patients tailored advice for them, depending on their needs. In many cases, recommending the consistent use of a desensitising toothpaste is the ideal way to tackle DH, without patients undergoing more involved treatment types.
For more information about BioMin®, and their innovative range of toothpastes, please visit www.biomin.co.uk, or email marketing@biomin.co.uk.
Calling all dentists! Do you want samples or a practice visit? Speak to our UK dealers, Trycare on 01274 88 55 44 or email: dental@trycare.co.uk, or CTS on 01737 765400 or email: sales@cts-dental.com
[i] https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/new-research-uncovers-uks-most-common-dental-issues
[ii] Arshad, Saba, Syed Jaffar Abbas Zaidi, and Waqas Ahmed Farooqui. “Comparative efficacy of BioMin-F, Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief and Sensodyne Rapid Action in relieving dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC Oral Health 21 (2021): 1-12.
[iii] Arshad, Saba, Syed Jaffar Abbas Zaidi, and Waqas Ahmed Farooqui. “Comparative efficacy of BioMin-F, Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief and Sensodyne Rapid Action in relieving dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC Oral Health 21 (2021): 1-12.
[iv] Saurabh, S. “Prithyani., et al.“Treating the Twinge-BIOMIN”.” Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3 (2019): 45-49.
[v] Arshad, Saba, Syed Jaffar Abbas Zaidi, and Waqas Ahmed Farooqui. “Comparative efficacy of BioMin-F, Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief and Sensodyne Rapid Action in relieving dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC Oral Health 21 (2021): 1-12.
[vi] Saurabh, S. “Prithyani., et al.“Treating the Twinge-BIOMIN”.” Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3 (2019): 45-49.
[vii] Saurabh, S. “Prithyani., et al.“Treating the Twinge-BIOMIN”.” Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3 (2019): 45-49.
[viii] Arshad, Saba, Syed Jaffar Abbas Zaidi, and Waqas Ahmed Farooqui. “Comparative efficacy of BioMin-F, Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief and Sensodyne Rapid Action in relieving dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC Oral Health 21 (2021): 1-12.
[ix] https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/new-research-uncovers-uks-most-common-dental-issues
[x] https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/new-research-uncovers-uks-most-common-dental-issues
[xi] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity
[xii] Saurabh, S. “Prithyani., et al.“Treating the Twinge-BIOMIN”.” Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3 (2019): 45-49.
[xiii] Saurabh, S. “Prithyani., et al.“Treating the Twinge-BIOMIN”.” Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3 (2019): 45-49.
